Probably one of the most feared German tanks of WWII was the Tiger. This heavily armed and equally heavily armored tank was able to take on all comers and generally emerge the victor. Armed with the superlative 88mm main gun, little on the battlefield was able to withstand a hit.

You would think that such a powerful tank would have been saved by victorious armies, but the truth is that only a half dozen Tiger tanks are still extant. Some are in horrible shape and basically just rusting hulks while one has survived to be returned to running condition. This is #131 of the Tank  Museum in the UK.

Thanks to the work of the researchers and restorers at the Tank Museum, we have a book that provides not only a history of the development of the Tiger tank, but a good idea of the history of this single subject, captured nearly intact in Tunisia during 1943. Meticulously researched so it could be returned to operating condition, the book covers the trials and tribulations of the efforts to bring this piece of history back to life. Of course, there is always the conundrum about using modern vs period parts and the difficulty in finding the latter. This is a part of restoration that is often weighed by those restoring any vintage item whether it be a war bird or something simple like a rifle.

In addition, the book provides an unparalleled look at the inner workings of the Tiger tank. Its engine, weaponry, operating systems, suspension, transmission, radios and everything else about the Tiger. With over 200 color photos, we get to see into every nook and cranny of the Tiger tank.

This all makes for an excellent detail book for the modeler and enthusiast alike. A super look at one of the icons of German WWII armor and a book I know you will find as fascinating as did I.

June 2011

 Review book courtesy of Zenith Press. Visit them to order this and other great books.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.

Back to the Book Index

Back to the Main Page